Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Mostly, But Not Completely, Obama...

Ya know what scares the livin’ sheiss out of me? As of this morning… This:

Yes We Can Obama Song by Will.I.Am

MySpace 45 new posts 10,163,831 views

This video has been Number One on the ViralVideos list for over a week now and the number of views is simply incredible, to say the very least. Just for contrast, the video with the second highest number of views on the list (“Frozen Grand Central) has 5,228,274 views.

O! My Country!

As if I needed yet another reason to be depressed. Is it too late to raise the voting age to 35? Please?

―:☺:―

Speaking of The Phenomenon from Illinois… he had yet another big night last night, and he’s up to ten straight victories in the Democrat primaries. Victory, of course, is relative when it comes to Democrat primaries and their arcane delegate allocation process. The delegate count remains somewhat close, but Obama is opening up what may be an insurmountable lead. At least the pundits think so…

Some folks are saying it’s all over but the shouting. Or the crying, as the case may be. Yet still, not everyone’s impressed. Particularly Robert Samuelson who, writing in today’s WaPo (“The Obama Delusion”), sez:

It's hard not to be dazzled by Barack Obama. At the 2004 Democratic convention, he visited with Newsweek reporters and editors, including me. I came away deeply impressed by his intelligence, his forceful language and his apparent willingness to take positions that seemed to rise above narrow partisanship. Obama has become the Democratic presidential front-runner precisely because countless millions have formed a similar opinion. It is, I now think, mistaken.

As a journalist, I harbor serious doubt about each of the most likely nominees. But with Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain, I feel that I'm dealing with known quantities. They've been in the public arena for years; their views, values and temperaments have received enormous scrutiny. By contrast, newcomer Obama is largely a stage presence defined mostly by his powerful rhetoric. The trouble, at least for me, is the huge and deceptive gap between his captivating oratory and his actual views.

{…}

The contrast between his broad rhetoric and his narrow agenda is stark, and yet the media -- preoccupied with the political "horse race" -- have treated his invocation of "change" as a serious idea rather than a shallow campaign slogan. He seems to have hypnotized much of the media and the public with his eloquence and the symbolism of his life story. The result is a mass delusion that Obama is forthrightly engaging the nation's major problems when, so far, he isn't.

Specific examples abound in the entire op-ed. As it’s said: RTWT. Hopefully we’ll see a lot more articles in the mainstream press now that Obama is definitely the front-runner. Too late? I think so, but your mileage most certainly may vary.

But Hey! Speaking of Obama supporters being “dazzled…” there’s this...

These women were so dazzled they completely forgot how to spell. (yes, I AM being charitable. Very.) (h/t for the image: V the K)

And then there’s this… I missed it, but Ed Morrissey did NOT. From The Good Captain’s post:

Matthews asked (ed: Texas state senator Kirk) Watson to name any significant legislative accomplishment by Obama, and the campaign surrogate got stumped:

MSNBC's Chris Matthews: "You are a big Barack supporter, right, Senator?"

State Sen. Watson: "I am. Yes, I am."

Matthews: "Well, name some of his legislative accomplishments. No, Senator, I want you to name some of Barack Obama's legislative accomplishments tonight if you can."

State Sen. Watson: "Well, you know, what I will talk about is more about what he is offering the American people right now."

Matthews: "No. No. What has he accomplished, sir? You say you support him. Sir, you have to give me his accomplishments. You've supported him for president. You are on national television. Name his legislative accomplishments, Barack Obama, sir."

State Sen. Watson: "Well, I'm not going to be able to name you specific items of legislative accomplishments."

Matthews: "Can you name any? Can you name anything he's accomplished as a Congressman?"

State Sen. Watson: "No, I'm not going to be able to do that tonight."

Matthews: "Well, that is a problem isn't it?"

It will be in November. Hope and change sound great ... for a while. At some point, the spell breaks, and people wonder how all this hope and change will morph into actual policy, and whether the candidate can actually deliver it. That usually means looking at the record to see how the candidate did so in the past, when they had the opportunity to do so.

That excerpt is from MS-NBC’s coverage of the primaries last evening. I don’t watch MS-NBC at all, ever. But (a) I’ll not digress here and (b) I’m damned sorry I missed that particular exchange. Good on Matthews for pointing out the would-be Emperor is most definitely naked. You can bet anything and everything that’s important to you that Senator McCain will be relentless on this particular point, as he should be. (The Huffington Post has video of the Matthews – Watson exchange here. Watson looks like a blithering idiot. Emphasis on “blithering.”)

Speaking of Senator McCain… I’m not intentionally slighting the Republicans by focusing on the Democrats, but the Republican race is over. Everyone knows that except for Mike Huckabee and a handful of disgruntled conservatives ideologues. All the action is on the Left side of the house now, innit?

―:☺:―

Teflon Don completed his journey back to Iraq and is now in the field and posting…with lots of photos. Great good stuff here, as most of y’all already know. The man can write, Gentle Reader, and has a good eye for pictures, as well.

―:☺:―

Can we please dust off the sedition and treason laws now? From World Net Daily:

JAFFA, IsraelMideast terrorist leaders today thanked actress Sharon Stone for claiming to Arab media the U.S. used the Sept. 11 attacks as "pretext" for launching wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The terrorists stated Stone's remarks, published this week in Arabic, reinforce their views that current U.S. foreign policy is leading America toward destruction.

"What Stone said strengthens what we have been saying all along – that the Bush administration and the American evangelical Christians who control U.S. policy are leading America to defeat," said Muhammad Abel-Al, spokesman and senior leader of the Popular Resistance Committees terrorist organization.

Aside from her remarks about 9-11, Stone, in her interview with the pan-Arabic Al Hayat newspaper, also bemoaned what she called Americas' decision to ignore the deaths of "600,000 Iraqis."

She stated she was against war with Iran and criticized the international community's failure to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Senior terrorists here urged Americans to take heed of the "Basic Instinct" star's comments.

It’s past…waaay past… time we charge and bring some folks to trial for their remarks in direct support of the enemy. I’m all about free speech, but this? Stone is over the frickin’ TOP.

―:☺:―

Today’s Pics: Another woman from my past. Pictured is the lovely Elaine, a woman I met while stationed in Beautiful Sinop-by-the-Sea. The first pic is a close-up, taken at one of the drunken brawls parties that were the primary source of entertainment and amusement for the crowd I ran with during my sojourn in Sinop. The second pic was taken looking down from the railing of The White Boat on the day I left Sinop. That’s my Buddy Dan In Florida giving me the “thumbs-up.” Dan left Sinop about a week or so after I did.

But back to Elaine. I met her while working at KBOK (the closed-circuit radio station I deejay'ed at) and we became very good friends...but only friends... during our stay in Sinop. We got romantically involved a couple of years later following her divorce. She and I were in the process of making plans for her to accompany me to Japan in 1975, but I had second thoughts about the relationship and ended it in a rather abrupt and uncaring sort of way. Which, in retrospect, may or may not have been “a good thing.” I would have never met The Second Mrs. Pennington had Elaine and I gone to Japan together. There are all sorts of different possibilities associated with that particular line of thought... but ya can’t second-guess your past, eh?

Finally… Elaine is the reason I can never go back to Tucson. I still fear for my life, with just cause. “I did her wrong,” as the song goes, and we both knew it… she much more than I, perhaps. I base that thought on her oh-so-explicit (not to mention graphic) promises of violence to my person should we ever meet again. Ergo: I can never go back to Tucson. For any length of time, anyway.


Update 2/20/2008, mid-day: I've mentioned The White Boat more than a few times of late and it dawned on me that all y'all have not the slighest idea of which I speak. So...for your illumination, here's the SS (or MV, or whatever prefix the Turks use on their ships) Izmir as she was pulling up to the pier on the blessed day I departed Beautiful-Sinop-By-The-Sea. One doesn't have days like this very often, Gentle Reader. Or trips on The White Boat, for that matter.

26 comments:

  1. Obama=Another reason you need an actual brain wave before being allowed to vote!

    I am shocked that Mathews would even ask a question that good, he's been slobbering all over himself in Obama praise for weeks.....meanwhile Hillzilla is making McCain look young.

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  2. I'm not sure anymore WHO is the lesser of two evils in the 'Rat race. But your right in saying that the Republican side is over (before we even got our say in it). I'm anxious to see who he is going to pick as a running mate.

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  3. I don't think Obama can be stopped and that is just about the scariest thing I can think of right now.

    **

    Elaine reminds me of someone? Michelle Phillips maybe?

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  4. I've always been of the "Anybody But Hillary" camp, insofar as the D's are concerned. In that regard, I think Obama's showing is good news, overall. Not that I want to see him elected, but he's a damn sight better than some of the choices we've had.

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  5. Sharon Stone. Didn't she "star" in a flick about a too feminine gunslinger and shoot up the bad guys? Looks don't make one bright, baby.
    Obama? Yes, yes, he's done so much for our country. As soon as I can, I will list his accomplishments here. Please do not hold your breath.

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  6. What a rich post!
    My Obama Letter is stirring the Anonnie-mices out of their holes into the blathering and name calling - more substance from the Obama supporters - oh, and other than the cuz words, they don't spell well in my comments section either!!

    Sharon Stone - I am astonished at the idiocy and anti-Americanism - yes, I question her patriotism.

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  7. Pat sez: I am shocked that Mathews would even ask a question that good...

    I hear ya. I quit watching MS-NBC a couple of years ago for two reasons: Olbermann and Mathews. They both suck. And I'm being VERY kind.

    Jenny sez: I'm not sure anymore WHO is the lesser of two evils in the 'Rat race.

    I think Hillary is the lesser. I'd much prefer to see her in the Oval Orifice than Obama. Obama scares the HE77 out of me. Period. I just dislike Hillary.

    Sharon sez: Elaine reminds me of someone? Michelle Phillips maybe?

    "Michelle Phillips" must be a common name! You google (images) that phrase and get a LOT of different women! So... I can't answer ya. Except to say Elaine was lovely, indeed. And I agree with you on Obama, Sharon.

    Jim sez: (Obama is)...but he's a damn sight better than some of the choices we've had.

    Better than that gnome from Ohio and that nut-job from Alaska on the Dem side, agreed. Ron Paul, too. But I'd rather see Hillary get it, as noted above, Jim. Especially considering Mrs. Obama's views...

    Cat sez: (something about that Stone harridan and) Obama? Yes, yes, he's done so much for our country. As soon as I can, I will list his accomplishments here. Please do not hold your breath.

    OK, Cat...I won't hold my breath, as long as you promise not to waste TOO much time trying to find said "accomplishments." Deal?

    re: Stone. I'm not sure I've ever seen a movie she was in, given I went off movies 15 years or so ago...

    Cynthis sez: What a rich post!
    My Obama Letter...


    Thanks for that, Cynthia! I can see where your "open letter" would entrage the O-philes. And I can ALSO see where their spelling might just be a lil bit impaired... if only from the O-fans in this post's illustrations.

    The interesting bit about Obama? I keep hearing the pundits on my teevee saying how he's attracting the well-educated and more prosperous Democrat demographic. If that's indeed true, then we're deeper in the odoriferous stuff than I think... MUCH deeper.

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  8. I said: ...your "open letter" would entrage the O-philes. And I can ALSO see where their spelling might just be a lil bit impaired...

    Irony, thy name is "Buck." Today.

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  9. Those signs are too hilarious!

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  10. Who in their right mind would care what Sharon Stone had to say - that's just crazy. You have to wonder what the Arab media/terrorist are thinking when they quote a woman who has shown so much of her body on film. Should she be someone the Arab women look up to? I think they are just grasping at straws. and it shows their two faces.

    I think the real dirty laundry will come out on Obama, Hillary, and McCain as soon as the primaries are over. I think mud will fly.

    I'd say something about the mis-spelled dream, but I know my own record for spelling.

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  11. Lou sez: Who in their right mind would care what Sharon Stone had to say - ...

    I care...when she's giving aid and comfort to the enemy, which is what her words are, in this space. Otherwise? I wouldn't give the proverbial Big Rat's A$$. This, however just pi$$es me right off...which may or may not have been her intent, in part.

    I think the real dirty laundry will come out on Obama, Hillary, and McCain as soon as the primaries are over. I think mud will fly.

    Agreed, in spades. I think this election just might raise the bar for nastiness, if that's possible. We may not have to wait for the General, if Her Hillaryness falls much further behind Obama. She wants this... in the worst way.

    Becky: agreed!! You'd think those women would have friends that would sy something to the effect of "wait a minute. Those signs just don't look right!" Ya know?

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  12. Those draem/drahem signs are a riot! Bet those ladies were all giddy. Or they'd never used stencils before. That can be confusing to a mind not focused on reality.

    I've been fascinated by the media finally waking up to the cluelessness of Obama supporters. You'd think the political folks would be more savy, but I guess it's not considered important. "Go out there and say some positive things about Obama." "But what has he done?" seems not to be an important detail to ask. How is this going to last all the way until November? I'm eager to know.
    (This is getting to be kind of fun)

    I was reminded of Michelle Phillips, too, Sharon. :-)

    Bec

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  13. I agree with Towanda - Obama does look unstoppable now and that makes me want to start looking at island real estate...

    Sharon Stone - what I want to know is who granted her the Visa to go to the UAE? Why can't we stop these celebrities from doing things like this? Sean Penn goes to Iran? Sharon Stone giving interviews to an ARAB news agency??? Sweet Jesus!

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  14. Not in Tucson, huh? So much for touring the AF boneyard then. Or did you already sneak in wearing a Groucho disguise?

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  15. You knew some good lucking women Buck!

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  16. Michelle Phillips. The Mamas & the Papas. Yep, I see it.

    : )

    I'm already bored with the presidential race. How is that possible?

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  17. Bec sez: That can be confusing to a mind not focused on reality.

    and..

    I was reminded of Michelle Phillips, too, Sharon. :-)

    More than a few things seem very confusing to your average Obama supporter, eh? And thanks for that link, Bec... I see the resemblance now.

    Kris sez: Sharon Stone - what I want to know is who granted her the Visa to go to the UAE? Why can't we stop these celebrities from doing things like this? Sean Penn goes to Iran? Sharon Stone giving interviews to an ARAB news agency??? Sweet Jesus!

    Oh... I think we should give 'em enough rope, literally. And then USE said rope. I'm only half-kidding.

    Lin sez: Not in Tucson, huh? So much for touring the AF boneyard then. Or did you already sneak in wearing a Groucho disguise?

    It's extreme self-flattery to think she might even remember me after more than 30 years, let alone deliver on the threat. But then again, she might recall if the sticks fell just right... like if she finds herself under a patio cover with a good friend, watching the sturm und drang of one of those famous Tucson summer monsoons... at 0200. That might ring a bell.

    I have been back for a brief visit, tho... just not with her.

    Mushy sez: You knew some good lucking women Buck!

    You don't wanna know the way I MIS-read your comment on first look, Mushy! ;-) But yeah, I was pretty damned fortunate in that regard. And not all of 'em wanna kill me still, either. Like Lori...

    who sez: I'm already bored with the presidential race. How is that possible?

    Maybe coz you've already made up your mind? ;-)

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  18. A friend in Texas (retired adult) is auditing a class at the University there. When he was going into his building on Super Tuesday, their were two girls with Obama signs all excited about voting. They were still there when he came out of class yelling 'don't forget to vote today!' He walked over and asked them how they were voting today - Texas primaries aren't until March 4.

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  19. Cynthia sez: A friend in Texas (retired adult) is auditing a class at the University there...

    That's rich, Cynthia! One could build a web site devoted entirely to Obama-related Stupid People Tricks and post hourly from now until the General Election... and still have material left over.

    I'm sorta surprised no one's done that. OTOH, someone probably has... I just haven't found it yet.

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  20. "Like Lori...

    "who sez: I'm already bored with the presidential race. How is that possible?

    "Maybe coz you've already made up your mind? ;-)"

    Strangely enough, I thought I had, but I realized very recently that I have not.

    Now there are days when I lean toward McCain.

    I voted for Clinton in the CA primary, but she's annoying me a lot now. (Then again, I stated early on -- perhaps not here, but elsewhere -- that I didn't really want her to run, because I feared her candidacy would split the Dem party.)

    Obama doesn't scare me, per se, although his lack of experience concerns me. That he has fired up young people enough to involve themselves in the process is exciting, and, if they stay involved, I think that's a good thing in the long run.

    There is something that feels truthful about McCain, though ...

    And so I haven't really made up my mind yet.

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  21. Lori sez: That he has fired up young people enough to involve themselves in the process is exciting, and, if they stay involved, I think that's a good thing in the long run.

    As to your being undecided... that kinda-sorta surprises me, especially your thoughts on McCain. But then again, not so much.

    As for the young folks, I'm in semi-agreement with you. The fly in MY ointment is I don't believe our young people are sufficiently prepared or motivated to participate in democracy, for whatever reason... and there are MANY... you might want to concentrate upon. My primary issues are with the way we prepare our young people (the educational system) and the values (or lack of same) I've seen amongst the general youngish population, and so on. Just scan the crowd in the background at any Obama rally/appearance and I'm sure you'll see what I mean. Rapt adoration is NO substitute for informed opinion.

    And, apropos of nothing, I'm sorta surprised no one took me to task for my "modest proposal" about the voting age... 35 seems entirely reasonable to me at the moment.

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  22. "And, apropos of nothing, I'm sorta surprised no one took me to task for my "modest proposal" about the voting age... 35 seems entirely reasonable to me at the moment."

    Perhaps because that's about the age you were when you switched from being rather liberal to being more conservative?

    I wouldn't mind if the voting age were 35, but then I'd want "everything else" to change to that age, too.

    Driving, drinking, smoking, the draft age ... it would only be fair. ; )

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  23. I should've phrased that as "the age for registering with the Selective Service."

    By the way, are women still not required to register? If not, why not?

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  24. Perhaps because that's about the age you were when you switched from being rather liberal to being more conservative?

    I wouldn't mind if the voting age were 35, but then I'd want "everything else" to change to that age, too.

    Driving, drinking, smoking, the draft age ... it would only be fair. ; )


    Who said anything about fair? Life is anything BUT fair. ;-)

    I didn't realize it, but yeah, you're right. I was about 35 when I made the switch. Very perceptive of you, Lori!

    I dunno about women being required to register for the Selective Service (now there's a misnomer, if ever I heard one)... I suppose I could google it.

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  25. The women with the signs are looking at each other thinking how stupid the other is for misspelling dream.

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  26. Re: the pic of Dan giving thumbs up, I had to view larger pic to make sure it wasn't some other finger he was giving you. :)

    Re: never being able to go back to Tucson.... I think you should relax. If she really wanted to hunt you down and kill you, she would have found this blog by now and hunted you down in Portales ;)

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Just be polite... that's all I ask.